Partner post: building a successful private practice starts with you

Submitted by: Privatepracticestartup.com

You started your journey as a mental health practitioner in graduate school, learning all you could to help the people you’re called to serve, aka “your clients."

You then prepared to get your license. During licensure, you did your “time” working those long hours, doing lots of paperwork, and gaining skills and confidence. You learned how to hustle and navigate the system, and this all eventually gave you the courage to build your own private practice.

But… in a sea of what seems like millions of other private practice practitioners, how does one stand out?

You know you have a lot to offer.

You are definitely unique, but … 

How do you stand out?

Simple…

You already have it.

It is you.

The best thing you can do for your business and for your clients is to be you.

To be authentic.

To be brave, courageous, and connect.

So how do you start this journey of being authentic? 

What does authentic even mean?

It means to allow yourself to be original and genuine, to put yourself out there, so when you decide to take that leap into private practice, you are deciding to take a chance on yourself.

Your practice needs to be an extension of who you are. When it’s aligned with who you are, you are able to do your best work.

You are the essence of your private practice, and being able to show yourself to the world in a clear and authentic way is the beginning of the secret sauce of a successful private practice brand.

What’s the best way to show authenticity in your practice?

To share your story, because a client wants to know who they’re going to show themselves to. They want to know that this person will understand them, and a client can’t do that if they can’t connect with you.

Now, you don’t have to divulge everything; we obviously need professional boundaries.  

Think about it.

A client is already vulnerable, hence, why they’re seeking help.

Sharing your authentic self and being open with them allows them to feel like they aren’t in this alone. They have someone that understands, empathizes, and, most importantly, can help!

The possibilities and advantages of being yourself are endless!

Questions to help you get curious about you

These questions will help guide you through creating an authentic brand and crafting your story. We definitely recommend taking pen to paper for this.

• Is there something that you had to overcome in your life? What was it?
• What was that journey like for you? The struggles? The triumphs?
• Who helped you?
• How did you realize that you had an obstacle in your way?
• What did you learn?
• How did you change?
• What would you have done differently?
• How did this journey influence you as a clinician?

As you go through your story, it’s important to think about what values come up for you. Having strong core values for your private practice is important.  

Your values lead the way

They are the guiding principles of your business; they determine how you show up for yourself and others; they communicate your expectations and so much more.

For example, if you value commitment, that shows that you will be there for your client and expect that they are committed to the process as well.

For help on figuring out your branding values, check out our Brand Values Assessment to get started.

Here’s to you!

Being authentic takes courage, but it can be really liberating. Here’s to you being imperfectly you!

Cheers to your private practice success, and we would love to help you in the process of growing your authentic brand, working with the clients you love and living your dream life! Go to privatepracticestartup.com to see just how we can support you in your journey from startup to mastery!